Pegasus Bridge/Transcript

Captain Price: Gentleman, thus far you've been training hard at Exeter for a special purpose. This special purpose, obviously, has something to do with the capture of bridges. What I'm about to explain is top secret material. If any of you blokes mention the word "bridge" outside of this room and I hear of it, and I will, you'll be RTU'd on the spot. The invasion of Europe will take place across five main beaches along the Normandy coast of France. Elements of the Second British Army will strike at Gold and Sword beaches, along with the Third Canadian Infantry Division at Juno. To the west, the Yanks will take Utah and Omaha Beach. Now, the entire eastern flank of the invasion will be exposed to a German counterattack from the Calais region. Should the Germans break through, they could very well have tanks rolling through Sword Beach and all the way down to Utah, wiping out the entire beach head. Our task, along with the rest of the 6th Airborne Division, is to secure that flank at all costs, by capturing and securing key bridges along the axis of approach. D Company's objective is this bridge, over the Caan Canal. Under cover of darkness, the gliders will put us down in the field next to the bridge. From there, we rush the pillbox and prevent the Germans from blowing the bridge. At least one Bren gun will provide a base of fire while we flank it from both sides. Once we've captured the bridge, we hold it until relieved, which could take several hours. During that time, we may find ourselves using the German's own weapons against them. So, I suggest you familarise yourselves with the captured ones we have on base. Good luck, and God speed. Dismissed!

a) Your task is to seize intact the bridge over the canal at BENOUVILLE 098748 and to hold it until relieved by 7 Para Bn. Most likely several hours.

INFORMATION

2. Enemy

a) Static defenses in area of operations.

Garrison of the bridge at BENOUVILLE 098748 consists of about 50 men, armed with at least four to six light machine guns (MG42) and possibly assorted anti-tank weapons.

b) State of alertness.

The large-scale preparations necessary for the invasion of the Continent, the suitability of soon and tide will combine to produce a high state of alertness in the GERMAN defense, particularly in vicinity of bridges. Charges will have been laid in the demolition chambers.

METHOD

3. Outline

a) Insertion via Horsa glider. The capture of the bridge will be a 'coup de main' op depending largely on surprise, speed, and dash for success.

b) Your difficulties will arise in holding off an enemy counterattack on the bridge, until you are relieved.